The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), established in 2023 to accelerate the adoption of Battery-Electric Container Handling Equipment (BE-CHE), marks its first anniversary with the release of three significant reports.
These reports provide valuable insights into the rising demand for BE-CHE, propose voluntary design standards to enhance equipment interoperability and outline strategies to improve port power infrastructure to support decarbonisation.
Sahar Rashidbeigi, Global Head of Decarbonisation at APM Terminals, commented: “I’m truly proud of what we’ve achieved as a collective in such a short time. The commitment from ZEPA members to dive deep into the topic and, through consensus, produce detailed guidelines on expected demand, standardization, and grid readiness is a clear sign of how real and powerful the electrification trend is.”
Demand for BE-CHE is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade. ZEPA terminal operators anticipate that nearly all new container handling equipment purchases will be battery-electric by 2035, with the market share of BE-CHE reaching 94% of purchases between 2031 and 2035.
This marks a major shift, driven by decarbonisation goals, regulatory pressures, and the narrowing cost gap between electric and diesel equipment. These trends emphasize the need for OEMs to align their product offerings with the growing demand for battery-electric technology.
To address barriers to adoption, ZEPA has introduced the 2024 Voluntary Standards, focused on terminal tractors and straddle carriers. These standards, collaboratively developed by manufacturers and port operators, aim to reduce costs, improve interoperability, and create scalability for BE-CHE and charging systems.
Terminal tractors are prioritized due to their high emissions and widespread use, while straddle carriers, which have the highest cost differential with diesel alternatives, pose unique challenges for electrification.
The rapid electrification of ports is expected to lead to a significant increase in electricity demand, with terminal power loads potentially multiplying by 2030. ZEPA’s third report highlights the critical need to upgrade grid capacity and infrastructure to prevent operational bottlenecks.
Collaborative planning among port authorities, tenants, and grid operators is essential to manage peak demand and optimize load distribution. The report also includes a Port Electrification Toolkit to guide stakeholders in their electrification efforts and ensure efficient use of grid resources.
Over the past year, ZEPA has brought together 12 members, including industry leaders such as APM Terminals, DP World, and the Port of Rotterdam, to advance the decarbonisation of port operations collaboratively.
Supported by Systemiq, the alliance has united competitors to co-develop open, scalable solutions that benefit the entire industry. The reports, endorsed by Eurogate and other key players, underscore ZEPA’s commitment to driving innovation and achieving zero-emission port operations.
Sahar Rashidbeigi added: “At APM Terminals, we are on track to roll out electrified terminal equipment across our global portfolio, and the results so far are highly encouraging. In addition to reducing noise and air pollution, these machines provide smoother rides and more precise handling, leading to a better working environment.”
